A brief description of the department:
We are interdisciplinary: archaeology, history,
and literature are all represented. Thanks to the
Semple endowment, we have the finest Classics
library in the world and conduct fieldwork in the
Mediterranean (Albania, Cyprus, Greece [Knossos,
Pylos], and Italy [Pompeii]). The Année
Philologique and the American Society of
Papyrologists have offices here.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department: Aegean prehistory, Greek and Roman art and archaeology, Hellenistic history and literature, Papyrology, Indo-European linguistics
Average number of new graduate students per year: 6-7 Ph.D. + 1-2 M.A.For “best consideration for admission”, applicants should have (note that there are always special cases, and that meeting the stated numerical goals will not guarantee admission to any program):
GRE: 600 minimum, but higher verbal scores for
philologists, higher quantitative scores for
archaeologists. GPA: 3.5 minimum. We expect
students to come in with a minimum three years
for one ancient language and two for the other
except for archaeologists who take only one
ancient language. The personal statement and
letters of recommendations are equally important.
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: 100%
Number of guaranteed years of funding: Ph.D.: 7 years or 6 if students enter with an M.A. from another institution
M.A.: 2 years
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: TAs: 1-2 years; RAs: 1-2 years; teaching
undergraduate courses in Greek, Latin, and/or
Classical Civilization: 1-2 years
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2004: 6 Ph.D.s; more M.A.s
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any:
Yes because of replacements of retiring faculty
and because of an incremental position
(specialization open) to be filled in the next
couple of years. We expect shifts in our focus,
but cannot anticipate them - it keeps us on our
toes.